Bodybuilders demand reopening of gyms

Former Mr Pakistan says he would rather commit suicide than become a labourer

KARACHI:

The government should allow fitness clubs and gyms to reopen immediately under defined standard operating procedures (SOPs), insisted Sindh Bodybuilding Association general secretary Syed Saeed Jameel.

Addressing a press conference at the Karachi Press Club on Wednesday, Jameel maintained that all businesses apart from fitness clubs and gyms been allowed to function under SOPs.

"These facilities provide an opportunity for the citizens to engage in healthy activities and also provide employment to many," he pointed out, appealing to Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah to allow them to operate following guidelines issued by experts.

Later, the gym and fitness club owners staged a protest.

Participating in the demonstration, former Mr Pakistan Fida Hussain Baloch said that he was indebted with Rs400,000 that he had borrowed to participate in an international contest. Claiming that he could return the borrowed money if his fitness club was allowed to reopen, he added that he would rather commit suicide than become a labourer.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 23^rd, 2020.